On a beautiful autumn day a festive crowd turned
out for the Kids Walk for Heroes on Sunday, October 21. The walk raised
money to benefit the New York Police &
Fire Department Widows' & Children's Fund. It started at the Carlisle
School, with the plaza decked out with red, white and blue balloons. The
children were thrilled to see
the fire fighters and police officers in their full uniforms. The Carlisle
Minutemen, with fife and drum, started the walkers on their route, and a
large banner, signed by the
walkers, was carried proudly behind them. Wearing red, white and blue, the
children walked, roller-bladed, rode scooters or wagons, and marched one
mile, returning to the
school for songs and speeches.

After a sing-a-long of patriotic songs, Judy Guild
explained the purpose of the walk and thanked the crowd for the incredible,
positive turnout. Next was Deputy
Fire Chief David Flannery giving what one Carlisle parent said was a
"wonderful message to the children." Officer John Sullivan was
the final speaker. Although the total
raised by the walkers has not been calculated yet, Marcy Guttadauro said it
would be close to $15,000.

Grassroots beginning

The walk was a result of a coffee and bagel
brainstorming session among parents Ellen Davin, Denise Dray, Judy Guild,
Beth Bourque and Marcy Guttadauro,
who discussed ways to help their children do something positive for people
affected by the September 11th tragedy. Bourque was quick to point out that
the walk was
a community effort, and she was overwhelmed with the support they had
received. Older students made the posters and the banner, local businesses
made donations, and
the fire and police departments and the Minutemen volunteered their time.
Guttadauro said many children went through their neighborhoods asking for
sponsors. She
was touched that her son's teacher, Mrs. Swift, donated to each of her
students. Children even raided their piggy banks, including nickels and
dimes in the pledge envelopes.

Children learn to make a difference

Michele Sobin, who shared the day with her
daughters, said it was an event that could "teach children how to make
a difference." Lee Means, a three-time parent,
noted it was a lively, upbeat event, with a positive feeling. Though
parents may have felt overwhelmed at times by the events since September
11, she felt this walk offered
children a chance to participate in helping others. It was certainly, as
Means said, "a day for friends and neighbors".